Sandusky UWG January 2012

Our UWG/Birthday celebration trip January 22- January 26th

Birthday Thoughts....

I'm over the age thing. I greet 42 today with a thankful heart. I am blessed with family and friends who love me. I still feel not a day older than 22 in spirit, yet I do like the person I am today at 42. What the years have robbed me of physically, I have gained in strength tenfold emotionally and mentally. Actually, when I think about it, physically, I don't get sick nearly as often as I did years ago. My body may not be perfect, but my immune system seems stronger, so maybe physically I haven't been completely robbed.

I'm just so grateful to be able to celebrate 42 years. To quote a favorite artist of mine, "Everyday above ground is a good one." Its so true. Even in trying times, we are still left with choices to make to try and improve our lives. Everyday we are given a chance for a do over. Life is a wonderful journey not a destination.

My birthday wish is for continued strength and health to help me on my journey. There is so much out there to learn about and enjoy. There are so many opportunities to shine my light.

There will always be challenges but I bend, not break. I saw that on a sign yesterday, it is better to bend than break. It certainly is true. I'm bending my branches around these hardships and continuing to grow.

"Best Sleep Over Yet..."

After all these years, I have the recipe down perfect. Deliver pizza, soda, video games, cake and morning cinnamon rolls to the Man Cave, invite over the posse crew and birthday parties are easy.

I just can't believe my baby is now 11. Where has the time gone?

No Time For Cohesive Thoughts, Just A Relaxing Ramble....

I craved a nectarine the other day, but working my way through a case of Clementines is wonderful as well. I'm sorry oranges, compared to Clemmies, you're only good for juice.

I can feel the autodidact in me returning. After all the stress its good to know she's still in there, waiting patiently. On the list- learning HTML code, landscaping for birds, the art of persuasive speech, mediating, herbal remedies, and figuring out how to use your passions as a means of financial support.

Yesterday was the first day I felt the cold bite me. There's a point where comfortable, refreshing chilly, turns into, "Hey, this hurts!" I need to rediscover the art of layering.

I also need to clean out the closet and find those gloves!

Despite the facts, we still have hope. That is a result of prayer I'm sure.

Also I'm amazed at how prayer and a little holistic effort is keeping my health in check. Felt the verge of a sore throat coming last night, and I thought about smashing up and eating raw garlic. I decided since this was DH's birthday weekend, I'd spare him. I took apple cider vinegar and honey instead. Its a 50/50 blend, and I gargle a spoonful before swallowing it down. I also add a teaspoon to a glass of water and drink it that way. Maybe its the Clementines as well, but this morning, no sore throat! Yeah!

Going to really have to try hard to avoid sugar and this will help as well. Its going to be a challenge this weekend. Kringles are on sale at the Pig!! $3.99!!! I told myself though since I've already baked not only a cake, but also brownies, there's no need for Kringle, no matter what a great price that is.

My plan for enjoying DH's birthday dessert is to allow myself one bite of cake and one brownie. If I'm going to indulge, it might as well be something that I really enjoy. Although the cake is tempting, Fudgy Ghiradelli brownies are where its at!

I love how when I asked DH what I should make for his birthday, he said to let the boys decide. One son said vanilla cake, the other said chocolate brownies, so now we have both!

I think I hear the birthday man waking up. I better go pounce!